Letter B

This week we learned about the letter B with our focus items being Banana, Bugs and Baker.

In addition to the completed worksheets we did in class. We learned how to sign (ASL) the letter B, Bugs and Bee. Painted fingerprint Bees to go along with our song "Do you like to BUZZ?".

We examined Bugs (even though they were plastic a few kids still were not too sure about touching them) using a magnify glass, talked about what they looked like and then determined if they flew or crawled. 

This week we conducted our first science experiment by growing Bouncy Balls. The kids were so excited not only to see the results but to be able to take them home and show their families. Unfortunately, I heard a few experienced the mishap of them being squished. Sorry friends. 

On Friday we learned what a Baker does and all the many yummy treats they make. After reading "If you give a Moose a Muffin", the kids helped Bake Banana Nut muffins. They measured, mixed and of course ate them.

Weekly Folders have been updated with October's Calendar and Newsletter. Along with the one that is to be kept in the weekly folder for easy reference, there is an Orange copy stapled to this months book orders for you to keep at home. On another note, I have noticed some kids completed work being kept in/returned in their weekly folder. These are yours and should be removed. Take the time to look at your child's papers/projects; be proud of them, they work so hard.

Reading Groups

This week a Reading Group packet was included in your child's Weekly Folder. Please take a few minutes to read the letter which outlines the program and let me know if you have any questions. The set of flash cards are for your use at home. At home participation with this program will be a great benefit to your child's progress. Here at preschool students will be worked with either individually or in small groups to help them build the foundation they need to be great readers. 

Reading Group assignments are based on the results of each students initial assessment. These groups are identified as follows:

White (I am still learning to recognize my upper and lowercase letters)

Yellow (I recognize ALL my letters and am now working on knowing their sounds)

Red (I know ALL my letters and their sounds)

Letter A

This week we learned about the letter A with our focus items being Apples, Alligators and Astronauts. We are continuing practicing writing our names with tracers this week. Encourage your child to complete the "At Home Practice", watch them to ensure they are: holding their pencils correctly and writing their letters in the correct order (left to right).

Some things we did this week were painted an Apple mobile, learned a song about "A little Appleseed" and how to sign (ASL) A, Apple and Tree.

On Friday we talked about Astronauts and the Solar System. We boarded a rocket (a pretend one of course) and blasted off to the moon to go exploring where we found Asteroids, which are really just big rocks.

One of the highlights of my week was watching one of my new friends paint for their first time!

Homework Program Begins

Our Homework program will begin this week (September 17th). Homework packets consist of a File Folder Game and Reading Book. Homework will be sent home each full week of school on Monday/Tuesday and should be returned on Wednesday/Thursday of the same week. Our homework program is just another way we are trying to help you as parents reinforce what your child is learning here at preschool. These packets are meant to be a fun activity that you and your child can experience together. 

Before returning these packets to school please check to make sure that the reading book, the file itself and ALL pieces are included. If a homework packet is not returned or returned incomplete a note will be sent home with your child. If the missing item(s) cannot be located and returned to the school within a reasonable amount of time a replacement fee will be incurred. Please note that these fees also apply to anything returned damaged beyond use. These fees are to offset the time and/or costs to re-create/purchase a replacement. Replacement Fees are as follows: $3.00 for a Reading Book and $10.00 for a File Folder Game.

Here's to a Brand New School Year

It was great meeting everyone at our Back to School Night! I truly am excited for the upcoming school year.

Over the next two weeks we will be getting acquainted with the preschool, reviewing some of our basic skills and making lots of new friends. Thank you to everyone that signed up to bring their Favorite Snack to share during the week of September 10th.

If you are interested in meeting with me to review your child's initial assessment there will be a sign up sheet inside the school later this week.

As a reminder Weekly Folders are sent home on Thursday/Friday each week and should be returned the following Monday/Tuesday.

Though I do miss all my friends from last year knowing I will be making a whole bunch more does make it a little easier.